Jeff Keller, an Auto Service teacher at Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Niagara Career and Technical Education Center was recently recognized by the Western New York Educational Service Council (WNYSEC). Keller was recognized on April 22 at an Awards of Excellence banquet.
WNYSEC is an organization that provides support for the educational community, such as professional development, mentoring opportunities and research. Each year, WNYSEC honors exceptional teachers, support staff, administrators and board of education members for their outstanding service to their students, schools, district and community.
Keller was nominated by Edward Caluori, a Lewiston-Porter Central School District teacher aide who works with one of his students, Winston. He says Winston’s parents told him, “From day one, Winston has loved spending time in the shop/classroom and is eager to go to BOCES every day. Mr. Keller has consistently nurtured and encouraged Winston’s passion for auto mechanics. His dedication to his classroom and students is exemplary and we are grateful he is Winston’s teacher! In their opinion, Jeff Keller is one of the finest teachers I have ever worked with. He is not only excellent and clever in his subject delivery, he is genuinely concerned with each student in his class.”
Keller says he was completely taken by surprise to receive the letter from WNYSEC that he had been selected for the award.
“I really thought someone was pulling a prank on me and Ed assured me that is was legit,” he said. Keller started his career in education about 31 years ago when he went to work at LaSalle Senior High School in Niagara Falls.
“I have been doing this for awhile and I love it. This job is the perfect fit for me. My favorite part is working with the students and I look forward to it every day.”